Tattoos have become an increasingly popular form of self-expression over the years, with millions of people around the world sporting inked designs on their skin. While the process of getting a tattoo may involve some temporary discomfort and a bit of healing time, most people expect their tattoos to settle into their skin without any further issues.
Here Is Why Tattoos Get Raised And Itchy After Time:
However, some individuals may find that their tattoos become raised and itchy, sometimes years after getting the ink. This phenomenon can be frustrating and even concerning, leaving many people wondering why it happens and what they can do about it. This is normally because:
The tattoo artist put too much pressure with the tattoo gun (while tattooing)
The Skin has developed scarring
A allergic reaction has developed
Infection
Dirty Ink
In this blog, we will explore the reasons why tattoos can become raised and itchy, and discuss some potential remedies for this uncomfortable condition.
Reasons for A Tattoo Being Raised and Itchy after Many Years
Too Much Pressure From The Tattoo Artist
One of the reasons why tattoos can become raised and itchy years after getting them is due to the pressure that the tattoo artist applied to the skin during the tattooing process. When getting a tattoo, the artist uses a tattoo machine with needles that puncture the skin to deposit ink below the surface.
The machine is designed to apply a specific amount of pressure to the skin to ensure that the ink is deposited evenly and stays in place. However, if the artist applies too much pressure, the needles can penetrate too deeply into the skin, causing the body to react.
When the needles go too deep, the immune system can respond by sending white blood cells to the area to repair the damage. This can result in the formation of scar tissue, which can cause the tattoo to become raised or bumpy. Scar tissue can also cause the skin to become itchy, as the nerve endings in the affected area may be more sensitive than usual.
Additionally, if the tattoo artist is inexperienced or uses a poorly maintained or faulty tattoo machine, they may apply too much pressure unintentionally. In some cases, the ink may also be too thick or too concentrated, causing the skin to react and become raised or itchy over time.
Scarring
Tattoos can become raised and itchy years after getting them due to scarring. Scarring can occur during the tattooing process or during the healing process that follows. When a tattoo artist punctures the skin with a needle, the body’s natural healing process is triggered, causing the skin to form a protective layer of collagen around the ink particles. This layer of collagen can result in the tattoo becoming slightly raised or textured, which is normal.
However, if the healing process is disrupted in any way, such as through infection, excessive picking or scratching, or exposure to the sun, the skin can form larger, more visible scars. These scars can be raised or bumpy and may also cause the skin to become itchy or uncomfortable.
Keloid scarring is a particular type of scarring that can cause tattoos to become raised and itchy. Keloids occur when the body produces too much collagen during the healing process, resulting in a raised and sometimes painful scar. Keloids can be hereditary and are more common in individuals with darker skin tones.
Here is a great article we completed on Keloid scarring in 11 problems that tattoos can cause.
Another factor that can contribute to raised and itchy tattoos is the location of the tattoo. Certain areas of the body, such as the elbows, knees, and ankles, are more prone to scarring and may cause the tattoo to become raised and itchy over time.
It’s important to note that not all raised or itchy tattoos are due to scarring. Other factors, such as an allergic reaction to the ink or an underlying skin condition, can also cause these symptoms. If you’re experiencing discomfort with a tattoo, it’s important to consult a dermatologist or a reputable tattoo artist to determine the underlying cause and to receive appropriate treatment.
Allergic Reaction
Tattoos can become raised and itchy years after getting them due to an allergic reaction to the ink used in the tattoo. This allergic reaction is known as tattoo ink hypersensitivity, and it occurs when the body’s immune system reacts to the ink particles as if they were foreign substances.
Tattoo ink is made up of a variety of pigments, and some of these pigments can cause allergic reactions in certain individuals. These reactions can range from mild to severe and can occur immediately after getting the tattoo or years later.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction to tattoo ink can include redness, itching, swelling, and raised, bumpy skin around the tattooed area. In some cases, blisters or pustules may form, and the skin may become cracked or scaly.
It’s important to note that an allergic reaction to tattoo ink can occur even if you’ve been tattooed before without any problems. Additionally, not all reactions occur immediately after getting the tattoo. Some people may develop an allergy to the ink years later, as the ink particles can migrate through the skin and interact with the immune system over time.
If you suspect that you’re experiencing an allergic reaction to your tattoo, it’s important to seek medical attention from a dermatologist. Treatment may involve topical or oral medications to relieve symptoms, and in some cases, laser removal of the tattoo may be necessary.
To prevent allergic reactions to tattoo ink, it’s important to research the ink and the tattoo artist before getting a tattoo. Look for a reputable artist who uses high-quality ink and ask about the ingredients in the ink before getting the tattoo. If you have a history of allergies or sensitive skin, you may want to consider a patch test before getting a full tattoo to determine if you’re at risk for an allergic reaction.
Infection
Tattoos can become raised and itchy years after getting them due to an infection in the tattooed area. Infections can occur if the tattoo artist or the person getting the tattoo does not follow proper hygiene practices during the tattooing process or during the healing period that follows.
During the tattooing process, the needles used to puncture the skin can introduce bacteria or other pathogens into the skin, causing an infection. Infections can also occur if the tattooed area is not properly cleaned or covered after the tattoo is finished.
Symptoms of a tattoo infection can include redness, swelling, warmth, pain, and the formation of pus or other discharge around the tattooed area. The skin may also become raised or bumpy, and the tattoo may become itchy or uncomfortable.
If left untreated, a tattoo infection can lead to more serious complications, such as cellulitis, a skin infection that can spread to other parts of the body, or sepsis, a potentially life-threatening infection that can affect the entire body.
Dirty Ink
Tattoos can become raised and itchy years after getting them due to the use of dirty ink during the tattooing process. Dirty ink can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens that can cause an infection or allergic reaction in the body.
Dirty ink can be the result of poor manufacturing or storage practices, as well as contamination during the tattooing process. Ink manufacturers should follow proper hygiene and safety standards when producing and storing their ink to prevent contamination.
However, if the ink is not properly handled or stored by the tattoo artist, it can become contaminated with bacteria, mold, or other harmful substances.
When the contaminated ink is used to create a tattoo, the bacteria or other pathogens can be introduced into the body, causing an infection or allergic reaction. Symptoms of a reaction to dirty ink can include redness, swelling, warmth, and the formation of bumps or blisters around the tattooed area. The skin may also become itchy or uncomfortable.
If you suspect that your tattoo was created using dirty ink, it’s important to seek medical attention from a healthcare provider or dermatologist. Treatment may involve antibiotics or other medications to clear any infection or topical creams to relieve symptoms.
To prevent reactions to dirty ink, it’s important to choose a reputable tattoo artist who uses high-quality, sterile ink. If you have any concerns about the ink used for your tattoo, ask the artist about their ink supply and manufacturing practices.
Additionally, it’s important to keep the tattooed area clean and dry during the healing process and to follow any aftercare instructions provided by the tattoo artist to prevent infection or other complications.
Weather Changes
Tattoos can become raised and itchy years after getting them due to changes in weather conditions. While changes in temperature, humidity, or barometric pressure may not be directly responsible for causing skin irritation, they can exacerbate existing skin conditions or cause minor inflammation around the tattooed area.
For example, when the air is dry, the skin can become dehydrated and itchy, which can cause the tattoo to become more irritated and raised. Similarly, when the air is humid, the skin may be more prone to bacterial growth, which can lead to infections around the tattoo.
Additionally, changes in weather conditions can affect the body’s immune system, making it more susceptible to inflammation and other skin conditions. This can cause the tattoo to become more raised or itchy over time.
To prevent weather-related irritation of a tattoo, it’s important to keep the skin moisturized and hydrated during dry weather conditions. Applying a high-quality moisturizer or aloe vera gel to the tattooed area can help relieve dryness and prevent itching. In humid weather conditions, it’s important to keep the tattooed area clean and dry to prevent bacterial growth.
It’s also important to protect the tattooed area from the sun and extreme temperatures, as exposure to UV rays and excessive heat or cold can cause the skin to become more irritated and inflamed.
If you’re experiencing discomfort with your tattoo, it’s important to consult a dermatologist or a reputable tattoo artist to determine the underlying cause and to receive appropriate treatment. They may recommend a topical cream or other medications to relieve symptoms and prevent further complications.
What To Do If Your Tattoo Itches And Is Raised After Many Years?
If you’re experiencing itching and raised skin around your tattoo after many years, there are several steps you can take to relieve your symptoms and prevent further complications:
Use a barrier cream: Applying a high-quality barrier cream, such as aquaphor or coconut oil, to the tattooed area can help moisturize the skin and prevent further irritation.
Avoid scratching or picking at the tattoo: Scratching or picking at the tattooed area can worsen the itching and increase the risk of infection or scarring.
See your GP: If the itching and raised skin persist or become more severe, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider or dermatologist. They can examine the tattoo and recommend appropriate treatment, such as topical creams or oral medications, to relieve your symptoms.
Consider removal: In some cases, the raised and itchy skin around the tattoo may be caused by an underlying issue, such as an infection or allergic reaction, that cannot be treated with topical creams or medications. In these cases, it may be necessary to consider removal of the tattoo.
It’s important to take care of your tattoo and monitor it for any changes or symptoms over time. By following these steps and seeking medical attention when necessary, you can help prevent complications and ensure that your tattoo remains a source of pride and self-expression for years to come.